I almost feel, as though my borrowed idea that "everything happens for a reason" is one rooted in luxurious western culture, as I sit within my home, safe from the potential severity of nature, surrounded by tens of thousands of dollars worth of crap I don't actually need. Upon consideration, I think it is almost ignorant of me, who has not experienced the extremes of this world, to offer any sort of suggestion.
I definitely feel as though we are here to experience the happiness potentiated by a human form. It's my uneducated belief that we are eternal souls, having a human experience. But where does that leave those born into a world of violence, with no equality, and with no opportunity? For what reason have they been handed a situation wherein it's impossible to realize their true potential?
I'm having a difficult time understanding the function of tragedy in this world. But even upon writing that last paragraph, I have to question whether my perception of misfortune is one of ethnocentrism or not!? I'm not sure if there's any eternal definition for evil, or if evil - as an entity - even truly exists. It may only be our collective misinterpretation of destiny to offer any sort of suggestion for the way in which this universe functions.
So, I can only do what I know. My thoughts and prayers to the gods and spirits are with those who are effected by the earthquake . It is my sincere hope that you will do the same.
I would like to leave you with something somebody said after the quake...."things that seemed important before are not important now..."
Romana

written by sara hernandez, January 16, 2010
written by April (heroheidR), January 19, 2010
We are creatures of spirit. Bigger nad more eternal than we can ever hope to understand in this physical reality. But being creatures of spirit we need this experience for some reason. We have to understand every aspect of a material existance in order for whatever is next.
I have no idea what that may be. Like the rest of us I'm a little too limited by this flesh. But if this life is this wonderful and terrible all at the same time, then think how great and expansive things must be in those dreams to come.
written by mary johnson, January 29, 2010
written by Not Yet Named, February 04, 2010
In California we experience the power of earthquakes regularly. They are impressive acts of mother nature. I sometimes picture her trying to shake off this crust we've built upon her. Fortunately, we are governed by those who require that we build for such events. Sadly, Haiti is not. I cannot find news of the effects of the earthquake in the Dominican Republic. They share the same island. Did they build for this possible future?
Will we learn from watching these terrible events. Probably. Can we change the politics that led to such devastation? Is it our place to do so? Are we left only to clean up similar horrors in the future?
written by April (heroheidR), February 05, 2010
This is what I think... WE will never change the political stucture of the world. We don't need to and it's not in our controll. Oh yeah we can vote in different politicians, and we can try to make everyone aware of where things are wrong but that just won't help. People have to choose to make their world better for themselves, we can't do it for them. All we have controll over is a very limited space in our corners of the world. So if you want to see change in the world... You have to be the change you wish to see. You also have to really understand that we have NO controll over any other living thing. You can't MAKE anyone do anything, and you are not responsible for their actions or decissions.
I'm not trying to steal blogs here. Romana and I quite often work together on some of these kinds of things. Seriously watch the last video in the "Windbringer" blog. It does answer some of this in a manner that might take a couple of times to get.
written by Not Yet Named, February 06, 2010
written by April (heroheidR), February 06, 2010
written by April (heroheidR), February 15, 2010
I really would like to hear what some other think about this too.
written by Not Yet Named, February 18, 2010
I realize this blog started out with the larger scale of countries and natural disasters. However, in my own little world I am trying to sort out similar conflicts. A lot of it revolves around expectations - mine and others'. I'm trying to move forward, in direct conflict with the expectations of people I love. I, in turn am hurt by their lack of respect for my decisions. I still love them and no one has died.
Am I killing someone in Haiti by not sending in $10 via my cell phone? Is enough love being sent through the various countries stymied by attempts to help that are thwarted by the Haitian government? I expect them to build better next time. Do they expect us to bail them out again?
Does anyone know if a cave I can move into? General society is really pissing me off these days. I should probably adjust my expectations.
written by April (heroheidR), February 18, 2010
We can not go through the world and fix everyone elses problems. They need to work things out themselves, just like we need to work things out for ourselves. We need to allow others to have their thoughts and feelings just like we want ours. BUT... We are not responsible for how they feel, how they think, or how they act. It is up to them to realize that they have controll over those things for themselves. It is our job to just keep going, try to give well thought out answers when questioned, and work to be as happy as we can be.
written by Not Yet Named, February 18, 2010
I have been trained for over 40 years to feel guilty when I go against the expectations of my parents. I have been taught to honor them. (See: ...the bible tells me so ... in the forums)
On a smaller scale, I expect the bacteria to die, without honor, when I take antibiotics while feeling like crap. No guilt there.
I guess it's all point of view. Which is where conflict can arise. I may honor the right of others to live in a country that does not build for natural disasters, but if I don't feel guilty about it I run head-on into someone's expectations that I should.
Where the hell does guilt come from? I'm really tired of it.
written by Not Yet Named, February 21, 2010
written by April (heroheidR), February 21, 2010
I made the earlier statements because I think that if you are going to say that you value "all life" and that it one should "harm none", Then you need to be aware. Aware of just where you are setting others up to "fail" at being what you think they should. If you are going to value life, then every living thing is of value. More so when they are living as they should... The bacteria that cause infection also act as part of your immune system when they are being held in check by propper diet and good health. The staph that makes your skin fall off also protects your skin from other "worse" microbes. It's a matter of perspective.
The "Rede" is a good tool to teach ethics to beginners but... There must at some point come a time of questioning as to what you truely believe and wether or not you are living up to those beliefs. This is not easy, and trying to hold on to this philosophy can make things worse. After all there are "sects" of Wicca whose member stop eating because they do not wish to "cause harm". These people die, and do harm to more than a few plants and animals. It seems that it should become easier to realize that by just trying to treat those as you wish to be treated or would wish to be treated if you were in the same situation, then you go much further towards fulfilling that "An it harm none" than if you just try to follow it.
Oh, and as for running up against the expectations of others... If you spend all of your time worring about the expectations of others you will quickly lose sight of your own goals. You begin to live someone elses life and not your own, and when you put yourself in that position you will never be "good enough". Don't worry about what they think. They have their own problems to work out, you can't do it for them.


